Troy Downing

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Westerman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act, as this legislation will make crucial adjustments to the Crow Tribe of Montana's water settlement, ensuring the Tribe can provide clean drinking water for its members for generations to come. In Montana, water rights and infrastructure are the lifeblood of our Tribal communities. Indian water rights settlements protect those rights by codifying them in Federal law and providing resources to promote water infrastructure development. For the Crow Tribe in my home district, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 was a significant milestone. It settled the Tribe's water rights and authorized $460 million to design and construct a centralized municipal, rural, and industrial, or MR&I, water system for its reservation. However, due to the project's complexity, rising costs, and extended estimated construction timelines, the initial MR&I pipeline system authorized by the settlement has proven unfeasible. Without the ability to use settlement funds for water infrastructure, the Crow Reservation continues to face a clean water crisis. According to one BIA-funded water study, over 50 percent of Crow Reservation households have contaminated water. That is 50 percent. Moreover, multiple further studies have linked the Tribe's higher cancer rates with this lack of clean water access. Senator Daines and I introduced the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act to directly address these challenges. The bill expands the scope of authorized water projects under the Crow Tribe's water settlement beyond the initial single mandated pipeline project to include a flexible array of smaller-scale regional water projects. In doing so, this legislation will dramatically reduce the timeline for delivering clean water to the reservation's communities. S. 240 is a straightforward solution that does not alter any existing water rights and appropriates no new Federal spending. It simply provides necessary flexibility for the Tribe to meet the needs of its citizens. Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Daines for leading this effort with me. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important legislation for the Crow Tribe.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, today I rise as a proud father to recognize my daughter on her graduation from the Montana State University's Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. I have watched her work for years and dedicate herself to a profession built on service and compassion. Sarah has worked hard through her undergraduate degree, her master's, and now she has finished her last class in the nursing school all because she wants to care for others. I could not be prouder of her and all of her cohorts as they begin caring for patients and strengthening communities across Montana. As I travel around the State, we have a huge need for practitioners, for nurses, and for doctors, and we have just strengthened Montana's Second District workforce by one. Sarah's mother and I are incredibly proud of her. Our granddaughter, Lyla, has an incredible role model to look up to, and Montana is lucky to have her.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7250, my legislation to reauthorize the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act. Passage of this bill will ensure the completion of a vital piece of water infrastructure for my constituents living in one of the most rural areas of the country. Northeast Montana faces a variety of significant water access challenges, including regular droughts and contaminated groundwater. Towns, farms, ranches, and Tribes in the region need reliable water treatment facilities and infrastructure in order to overcome these issues. To address these challenges, the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System Act of 2000 authorized a major water infrastructure partnership between the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water Supply System of the Fort Peck Reservation and the Dry Prairie Rural Water System in northeast Montana. It also provided funding and technical support for the project through the Bureau of Reclamation. In the ensuing two and a half decades, the two water systems have successfully worked together with Federal partners to build an extensive network of over 3,000 miles of water pipeline, along with multiple pumping stations and a water treatment plant to service the region's 18,000 residents. The project is nearly finished, with only 2 out of Dry Prairie's 23 pipeline phases in need of completion. However, its current Federal authorization is set to expire at the end of the year. My legislation, H.R. 7250, extends the water system's authorization by 2 years to provide the necessary time for the completion of these final phases of the project. Without an authorization to build, the project's completion would be jeopardized. Notably, this legislation does not appropriate any additional Federal funds. It solely reauthorizes work already on the verge of completion. H.R. 7250 will continue a critical infrastructure project that directly benefits rural and Tribal communities in northeast Montana. Moreover, passage of this bill will allow this congressionally directed project to carry through to completion, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent as they were initially intended. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important initiative for Montana.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I will take this opportunity to recognize the importance of the passage of the 2026 farm bill. The House-passed 2026 farm bill delivers certainty for our producers through enhancing critical initiatives such as the USDA's farm credit and crop insurance programs. These measures will ensure that farmers and ranchers have access to the capital that they need in order to navigate ongoing challenges like volatile commodity prices and extreme weather events going forward. From wheat growers on the Hi-Line to cattle ranchers in eastern Montana, this bill will provide necessary stability for producers in my home district, allowing them to keep feeding our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman GT Thompson for his hard work on this effort. The House has acted, and now the Senate must do the same. I urge swift passage of the farm bill in the Senate.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Larry Mayer as the ``Montana Innovator'' for the month of April. In honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's congressional delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This month, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich communities and the power of visual storytelling by celebrating a dedicated photojournalist who has spent decades documenting the people, places, and events that define the Treasure State: Larry Mayer. Larry Mayer, a photographer with The Billings Gazette, has worked in photojournalism for nearly 50 years, capturing and preserving the stories of communities across Montana. Having worked with Larry during my time in Congress and previously as Montana State Auditor, I have come to admire his calm demeanor, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone. Larry's commitment to photojournalism drew international attention when he identified the Chinese spy balloon as it crossed over Montana. Capturing both everyday moments and historic events is part of the very fabric of our state. With Larry Mayer behind the lens, those stories will continue to be told for generations to come. It is my honor to recognize him this April, alongside eleven other individuals who represent what it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, as the House and Senate debate over housing legislation, I fear that one community is being left behind. Those are our tribes. Thirty years ago, Congress passed a landmark Tribal housing law known as NAHASDA, which created the Indian Housing Block Grant program to promote self-determination. Unfortunately, Congress has not updated this law since 2008 and has allowed its authorization to lapse after 2013. This is simply not acceptable. HUD Secretary Scott Turner said it best: NAHASDA works and needs to be reauthorized. I introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act to eliminate red tape in Indian Country and further incentivize private financing. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation because it is Congress' responsibility to address the housing needs of all Americans.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, Montana's Congressional Delegation is recognizing exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This March, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich agricultural history and celebrate an individual who works tirelessly to give a voice to Montana's ranching families: Lesley Robinson. Lesley is the Montana Stockgrowers Association's first woman president, elected in 2024 after having served in leadership since 2000. As the owner and operator of cow-calf operation Lazy JD Cattle Co, she not only advocates for Montana's stockgrowers, she is one herself. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Lesley and MSGA to better understand the needs of the Montanans who bring the quality beef we know and love to market. I can say without a doubt that ranching in the Treasure State has no finer advocate. It is no secret that ranching is a part of the very fabric of the Montana way of life. With Lesley Robinson in the fight, it will remain that way for generations to come. It is my honor to recognize her this March alongside eleven other individuals who represent everything that it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, I rise to recognize exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. This February, I am proud to highlight Montana's rich mining history and recognize a man who devoted his life to its preservation: Baron Stroop. Baron worked as a drag line operator at Rosebud Mine in Colstrip, Montana. In a job that demanded grit, skill, and long hours, Baron showed up every day with a relentless work ethic and a great pride in producing the energy that powers our communities. Last year, we lost Baron far too soon. He represented the backbone of eastern Montana--hardworking, dependable, and humble--and lived his life with the same sense of freedom and strength that defines the Treasure State. Baron leaves behind three daughters, including Zoey, who serves on my team as a field representative in our Billings office. His legacy lives on not only through his family but in the example he set. He worked hard, loved deeply, and served his community fiercely. It is my honor to recognize his life and count him among eleven other individuals who represent everything that it means to be a Montanan.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Montanans gather for the investiture ceremony of Judge William Mercer, marking an important moment for our state and judicial system. Since 1994, Bill Mercer has served as the assistant United States attorney for the District of Montana, the acting United States Associate Attorney General, and as a member of the Montana House of Representatives in addition to a stint as a practicing attorney and partner at law firm Holland and Hart in Billings. Throughout his judicial endeavors, Bill developed a reputation as a respected and principled practitioner of the law. On July 10, 2025, he was nominated to serve as United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Montana by President Donald J. Trump--a distinct honor in and of itself. Bill brings a wealth of experience to the bench, and I have complete confidence that he will uphold the rule of law and serve the people of Montana with integrity, professionalism, and honor. I congratulate Bill and best of luck as he embarks on this new chapter.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' McVeda who this past Valentine's Day celebrated 100 years of a life well lived. Bill McVeda was born in Lewistown, Montana, on the 14th of February, the youngest of three, to a hardworking family in a hardworking community. At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He would go on to serve in the Pacific theater, witnessing the historic second flag-raising at Iwo Jima and the surrender of the Japanese. For his service, Bill received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Janet; raised two children; and built a respected career in human resources management with Lockheed Martin and with Northrop Grumman. Mr. Speaker, Bill McVeda is a great American and a true patriot. The world needs more men like him, not fewer. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his example of service and his commitment to family and community. As a native son of Montana, our State is proud to call him ours and wishes him a happy birthday.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Haridopolos) for arranging this Special Order hour. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act. Americans across the country are feeling the squeeze of a very real housing crisis. The National Association of Realtors estimates that the average first-time home buyer was 40 years old in the year 2025. In my home State of Montana, the estimates show the median home price of a home exceeds $500,000. The internet and social media are filled with testimonies critiquing sky-high housing prices like Bozeman where starter homes can exceed $1 million. For once, both sides of the aisle agree. The root cause of this crisis lies in the supply side. Put simply, we do not have enough homes to meet the demand. So what should we do? Throwing money at a problem rarely fixes it. What Americans deserve are concrete, commonsense regulatory reforms that make it easier to build more homes. The Housing for the 21st Century Act achieves this by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing HUD programs, and enhancing community banking operations to expand lending for buyers and builders alike. What is more, our bill accomplishes this with no new permanent programs and no new spending. We are simply getting the government out of the way. I could not be more enthusiastic to endorse this legislation. I thank Chairman Hill and Chairman Flood for their hard work in getting it to the floor today where it passed on a bipartisan basis by a vote of 390- 9. Looking forward, I believe we have the opportunity to make even more progress on housing by addressing reforms to the Build America Buy America Act, or BABA, and reauthorizing the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act, or NAHASDA. Don't let the name fool you. BABA may sound patriotic, but mandating BABA compliance for HUD-funded projects hamstrings builders by dictating how they source materials, driving up the cost of construction, and increasing the time to market. We also cannot afford to forget about our Tribal communities. Montana is home to 12 distinct Tribal Nations, and NAHASDA reauthorization and modernization would be a game changer for them. NAHASDA is a lifeline for Indian Country, and its authorization lapsed after fiscal year 2013. This law consolidated and authorized Indian housing programs, which provide Tribes greater autonomy when using Federal resources for housing projects on Tribal lands. Mr. Speaker, homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream. Families should not have to wait decades before buying their first house. Kids should grow up playing in the living room of their childhood home, not a rental. Sadly, what was once a reality is fast becoming just that, a dream. The American people are looking to Congress for a solution. Let's give them one by getting this bill to President Trump's desk as soon as possible.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, in honor of America's 250th birthday, Members of Congress from the Treasure State are highlighting exceptional Montanans each month who embody the spirit of our great state and Nation. Last year, rodeo was officially recognized as Montana's state sport. It's only fitting that the first Montanan I honor is Havre native Flint Rasmussen. For decades, Flint brought laughter, heart, and unforgettable energy to rodeo arenas across Montana and the country. His natural talent, quick wit, and unmistakable flair captivated audiences wherever he performed. Making his PBR World Finals debut in 1997, Flint became the dedicated, exclusive in-arena entertainer for PBR's premier tour in 2006. For more than two decades, fans packed arenas not only to watch world-class bull riding, but to be entertained by Flint's iconic performances that became a hallmark of PBR events. In recognition of his remarkable career, Flint was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2024 and the Bull Riding Hall of Fame last year. Flint Rasmussen didn't just shape Montana's rodeo culture, he helped define rodeo entertainment across America. I thank Flint for his innumerable contributions to the fabric of American culture through his life's work. He has made our state and our country proud.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act. This legislation will provide essential resources for small businesses to support their efforts to adopt AI. Small businesses are optimistic about the potential of AI. Capabilities like machine learning and language processing are becoming critical tools for businesses seeking streamlined operations, like workforce recruitment, marketing, and strategy development. However, businesses with substantial and stable access to capital tend to be better positioned for technology adoption and dealing with its ramifications. Small businesses, on the other hand, including businesses in rural communities like my home district in central and eastern Montana, often lack the resources and information needed to facilitate technology adoption. For example, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 59 percent of small businesses in Montana have adopted AI into their operations. While this figure may seem significant, it pales in comparison to the near-universal adoption of AI that is seen with Fortune 500 companies. That is why I am proud to co-lead H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act, with my colleague, Representative Scholten. The AI-WISE Act directs the Small Business Administration, the SBA, to establish educational resources on AI for small businesses through its online learning platform. In doing so, this legislation seeks to provide small businesses with the technical and practical knowledge needed to best navigate AI adoption. The scope of this educational material will include resources for small businesses on how AI models work, how businesses can identify tasks that AI can effectively perform, and the best practices for coordinating with third-party providers and protecting data privacy. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Scholten, for co- leading this legislation with me. The AI-WISE Act will ensure small businesses have the information that they need to most effectively utilize AI to bolster their entrepreneurship. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I have risen before the House several times to recognize the historic rivalry between the Montana State University Bobcats and the University of Montana Grizzlies, but today I rise with enormous pride to honor the Montana State University Bobcats for their historic FCS National Championship victory in Nashville. The Cats left it all on the field. They played with grit, heart, and determination, carrying the weight of a State that believed in them. From blocked kicks and dramatic momentum swings to a fourth-quarter comeback and the first overtime finish in FCS title game history, this contest delivered everything that makes college football unforgettable. This win marked Montana State's first national championship in 41 years, ending a drought that stretched back to 1984. With Montana programs reaching the championship stage in four of the last five seasons, it was only fitting that the trophy finally returned to the home of the Treasure State. The young men in blue and gold made Montana proud. Their victory belongs not only to this university but to an entire State. Mr. President, if you are watching, we would love to see them in the White House. Go, Cats, go.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, in November, Montanans gathered in Missoula for the 124th Brawl of the Wild, a legendary matchup between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State University Bobcats. On Saturday, December 20, Montanans across the country will be tuning in for what many are calling the Montana Super Bowl. This is Brawl 2.0, and this time, it means more. With a spot in the FCS National Championship on the line, the stakes could not be higher. For the first time in Montana history, the Grizzlies and Bobcats will face off in the FCS semifinals at Montana State University in Bozeman, placing our state in the national spotlight. Montana's competitive spirit always shines on game day, and this weekend will be no exception. From living rooms to watch parties to packed stadium seats, Montanans will be united by pride, passion, and rivalry. I thank Bradley Warren, ``Touchdown'' Tommy Mellott, and Marcus Welnel for covering the Montana Super Bowl. I'm looking forward to an electric game and wish both teams the best of luck.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Florida, Mr. Haridopolos, so much. I rise today to discuss or to comment on what I see is the biggest fraud this body has ever put upon the American people. Let's go back to the beginning of the unaffordable care act, ObamaCare. How was this sold to the American people? You can keep your doctor if you like them. You can keep your plan. Your insurance premiums are going to go down. I will tell you, all of that--I will tell you; this is one time that both the Republicans and Democrats agree, that it did not deliver on that. The Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare, has been one of the biggest drivers in increasing not just the cost of health insurance but the cost of healthcare. To continue this deception, it was clear that this plan would not work. You don't have to be a Ph.D. in mathematics to understand why. As you start to add things--the essential health benefits that you added onto these policies, these required benefits, as you started to add things that had to be covered--and I am not saying whether those were good or bad. But if you add expenses, you can't make prices go down. It would be like saying if you went to a fast food restaurant and ordered a soda and the price is going to go down but they have to give you a free cheeseburger as well. It just doesn't make common sense. It doesn't make mathematical sense. So to further this deception, they realized that it only worked by subsidizing it. You had to levy a tax to subsidize it. The architects on the other side of the aisle who put this together realized that the American people would rebel against this if they were given a tax to pay for it. How did they hide that? Well, let's just tax the payers, let's tax the insurance companies, and then they can pass those expenses down to the American people through higher premiums. That is exactly what happened. Then let's look at another phenomenon. As these prices start going up, people start to question whether they are getting value for what they are paying for. For some folks, the answer was no. They didn't want to pay those higher rates, and so some folks came off. As we see, the people who come off tend to be the people who least need services. So the healthy, younger people tend to be the ones that come off. As they do that, that concentrates the risk. That makes the prices go higher for the insurance companies, for the payers. As that happens and you get into the next policy year, they have to raise the rates again. As they raise the rates again, you lose more subscribers to those policies. You further concentrate the risk. This is known as adverse selection. What happens in adverse selection, every time you see that raise, those prices rise, you start to see more people come off. They look for alternatives like healthcare sharing ministries, they look for something else, or they go uninsured. You start this endless cycle of these prices going up. There is another thing I want to point out. This is kind of economics 101. The more money you put into a system, the more expensive things get. We have seen that in so many different areas. We have seen that in subprime lending. We have seen that in student loans. You put money into a system, and it starts to push prices up. One of the other contributors we have is not just adverse selection, which is concentrating the risk and making it more expensive for the insurance companies, but we put so much money in the system that we are seeing rises in actual healthcare. It is important to make the distinction between the rising cost of healthcare and the related rising cost of health insurance. So we just come to this death spiral of this becoming more and more and more unaffordable. In my personal opinion, this entire system is going to collapse under its own weight, and you have got two solutions. The other side thinks that we should just write a blank check from the Federal Government, no matter how big that check is going to be, so that we can hide the fact that this is failing. Let's face it. This is seen as a landmark piece of legislation that the Democrats have pushed over the last couple of decades. It is important to them to protect this landmark legislation. I am sorry, but the emperor is not wearing clothes. In order to hide that, they are doing these smoke screens with these increased subsidies. Now, let's look at the subsidies that have really gotten a lot of attention, these ObamaCare subsidies that we have been talking about that the Democrats brought in response to COVID. These are subsidies to folks who are on the individual market. It is important to note that the individual market is a small percentage of the insureds. This is not the entire market. This is not a small group. This is not a large group. This is a small percentage of folks who are on the individual marketplace, who get their health insurance through healthcare.gov or through one of the exchanges. It is a very small part. When the Democrats first put this, it was a reaction to the chaos during COVID, and it was, by their intent and by their architecture, a temporary solution for a temporary problem. So it was designed to expire. It had a sunset. Then, when it was coming up to a sunset, when the Democrats still had control and had the ability to make this permanent, they still put an expiration date on it. These enhanced premium tax credits, or these ObamaCare credits, were designed to expire at the end of this year. Essentially, January 1 is when they were designed to expire. It is entirely policy brought by the Democrats. This was not Republican policy, it was a smokescreen. There are estimates it will cost between $300 and $400 billion to pay for it over the next 10 years if they are expanded. Like I said, it is a smokescreen. Folks are starting to talk about whether prices are going to go up or go down or what these subsidies will do. Let's talk about that for a second. These subsidies are a very small part of the increases that we are seeing in premiums because of what I have already talked about. It is because of rising costs of healthcare and because of rising costs of health insurance that are due to those healthcare increases as well as that adverse selection. Let me just put this small percentage in perspective. In Montana, we have a number of payers, a number of insurance companies. The one with the largest increase on the individual market was about 25 percent. It is a high number, I agree, but that 25 percent was a single digit amount. About 9 percent of that, was attributed to the enhanced premium tax credits, the ObamaCare credits. Even without that, the prices are going up. Independent of these ObamaCare credits that we are discussing, it is going up in the small group, the large group, and it is going up in every other part of insurance. That part without the enhanced premiums, as I said, that delta between 25 and 9, let's say that is 16 percent, everybody else is still seeing that. They are still seeing that increase. One of the smallest increases we saw from our major payers was about 10, a little bit over 10 percent, and about 3 or 4 percent of that was attributed to the ObamaCare premiums. The reason I am bringing this up is that it is a very small percentage of these overall costs. One thing that I want to point out is that if these tax credits are allowed to expire on the 31st, premiums are going up. If we extend them, premiums are going up. It is happening either way. Just one thing I want to end on so that people understand how this process works. If this body decides to extend those premiums, let's say it is for 2 years or 3 years, an arbitrary amount, then what happens? The way that insurance rates are filed is they go to the States, the payers, the insurance companies bring them to the States. They file, they are approved, they get filed with CMS, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and then the open enrollment period starts, which is usually mid-November to mid-December. Mr. Speaker, during that open enrollment period is when you buy your policies for the following year. We just closed that open enrollment period a couple of weeks ago for the 2026 policy years. Those rates are already baked in. If we were to extend those credits, the rates are already baked in. Unless we go to extraordinary measures of allowing the payers to, once again, refile their rates and then have another open enrollment period, which I guess would be March or April by the time we got all that through, then, what do we with that? Do we make those rates ex post facto? Do we have them go back to the beginning of the year? Or do you allow it to go through its normal cycle, in which case those rates affect the 2027 year. The point I am making is that by extending those ObamaCare subsidies, we are not affecting the 2026 rates without going to extraordinary measures to unroll everything that has already happened. What will happen is those insurance companies that filed higher rates with the assumption of those premium tax credits staying in will get the benefit of having a higher rate plus having that tax credit. Going back to how I started this, this fraud was put on to the American people to hide the taxes so that the American people weren't taxed directly. They taxed the insurance companies that are getting these tax credits to change those rates for the people. This is not going to affect what is happening right now without extraordinary measures. In closing, what we need to do, and I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding, we need to start looking at alternatives on what are the core drivers of the costs of health insurance. How do we rate health insurance so that younger, healthier people are still willing to pay for it so we have spread risk there? What are the things that we can look at for driving costs down to stopping this endless cycle of adverse selection so that people can actually, as was promised on this big fraud perpetrated on the American people, have the doctor they want, the plan they want, and have their rates going down? This ObamaCare premium debacle is not the answer, but we do need to get to work and figure out how we can get to the root causes of these rising prices. That is because, as I said, this is either going to collapse under its own weight or we are going to be forced to write an unlimited check to the Federal Government which many of my colleagues and I are unwilling to do.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the importance of the House's passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act earlier this week. The 2026 NDAA codifies critical provisions of President Trump's peace through strength agenda, including authorizing full funding for the Sentinel ICBM program. The Sentinel program is set to provide essential upgrades to the land-based component of our nuclear triad. I thank the airmen, the security forces, the missileers, everyone at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, for their continued hard work on the initial planning and construction phases of this project. Nuclear deterrence is the bedrock of our national security. As China and Russia rapidly expand their arsenals and modernize their missile capabilities, we cannot fall behind. I look forward to working with my colleagues on continuing congressional support for Sentinel as this program progresses.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, waste, fraud, and abuse fundamentally undermine the American people's trust in the government. When well- intentioned Federal programs are defrauded by criminal bad actors, taxpayer dollars are wasted, and funding for businesses and individuals in need of this vital support is squandered and stolen. Over the course of the COVID pandemic, the Small Business Administration carried out an extensive effort, channeling funding to small businesses facing unprecedented economic challenges. In total, SBA provided over $1.2 trillion in emergency loans and grants during this period. While COVID-era SBA programs in many cases delivered much-needed emergency aid to small businesses, these programs were sometimes exploited by criminals seeking to defraud American taxpayers and illegally secure illegitimate loans and grants. According to a 2023 report from the SBA's Office of Inspector General, SBA distributed over $200 billion in potentially fraudulent funds in its COVID-era programs. This level of fraud undermines the integrity of the SBA. It is essential that we track these criminal fraudsters down and hold them accountable for their actions. Two of these SBA COVID-era programs, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, directed financial assistance toward small businesses that were disproportionately harmed by lockdown policies due to their reliance on confined gathering spaces. The statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud within these programs is set to expire beginning early next year. If Congress does not act, law enforcement will not have the necessary time to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Along with my colleague, Representative Conaway, I have introduced H.R. 4495, the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act. This bill extends the statute of limitations from 5 years to 10 years for fraud with respect to SBA's Restaurant Revitalization Fund and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. This extension will provide critical time for law enforcement to track down criminals who have defrauded the U.S. Government and hold them accountable. Small businesses across our country, including in my home district of central and eastern Montana, deserve an SBA that efficiently supports local job creators and isn't undercut by fraud. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Herb Conaway, for co-leading this legislation. The fraudulent spending of Federal taxpayer dollars undermines our trust in the government. It is essential that law enforcement is given the proper tools, time, and authority to punish those who subvert the integrity of the SBA programs and ensure that fraudsters face consequences for their actions. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend marks one of the oldest and greatest rivalries in all of college football, the ``Brawl of the Wild.'' Saturday, November 22, 2025, will be the 124th meeting between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats in Missoula. To Montanans, the Brawl of the Wild is more than a football game. It's a celebration of the state's competitive spirit, community pride, and deep-rooted traditions. Many households in Montana are divided, heck, even my office is divided. But the magic of the game is its power to unite our state through sport, bringing together students, alumni, families, and fans who proudly don their maroon and silver or blue and gold. The Brawl of the Wild is truly a tradition unlike any other. It represents the very best of college athletics and the Montana way of life. I look forward to a phenomenal game on Saturday and to celebrating another chapter in this historic Montana rivalry.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Montana State Senator Duane Ankney, known to many as the ``King of Coal.'' Elected to the State legislature in 2006 from Colstrip, Montana, which he proudly called the heartbeat of eastern Montana, Senator Ankney was a steadfast advocate for the working men and women who power our State. He understood the value of coal not just as a resource but a way of life for thousands of Montanans. Throughout his service, he championed energy independence, defended rural jobs, and gave a voice to communities too often overlooked. Senator Ankney wasn't afraid to speak hard truths or to take tough stands. He led with grit, with principle, and a deep love for Montana. Today, we remember him as more than a legislator. We remember him as a fighter. He was a friend and a champion to the people he served.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my resolution, H.J. Res. 104. For 4 years, President Biden and his autopen waged war on American energy. He targeted the very foundations of our energy independence. No industry felt the brunt of the administration's attack more than the coal industry. Coal mines, coal-fired power plants, and the communities they support were pushed to the brink of collapse. The 2024 amendment to the Miles City Resource Management Plan would have cut off access to 30 percent of the Nation's coal reserves. The vast majority of Americans rely on coal for at least part of their electricity every single day, and at no point did Biden's Bureau of Land Management stop to consider the $46 million in lost revenue to the State of Montana, money that helps pay for K-12 education. Make no mistake, this amendment was not a moderate, science-based decision. This was the heavy hand of Big Government crushing an entire industry in the name of a radical Green New Deal agenda. It was the inevitable result of an antihuman, America-last ideology that has been knocked on its heels in the wake of President Trump's election. Today, I am thankful that we have the opportunity to reverse this rule before any permanent damage could be done. Today, we are advancing President Trump's executive order to expand American energy production and achieve energy dominance. We are standing up for the people of Colstrip, for the workers of eastern Montana, and for the thousands of Montanans whose livelihoods depend on responsible coal production. We are standing up for affordable electricity, for State and local governments that rely on revenue from Federal leases, and for a commonsense energy strategy that does not depend on imports from adversaries, like China. This resolution is not about politics. It is about putting working families before bureaucrats. It is about keeping the lights on in America and keeping paychecks flowing in Montana. When the Federal Government acts recklessly, it is the responsibility of Congress to step in and course correct. That is exactly what H.J. Res. 104 does. The war on coal must end. It must end here with a vote to overturn this dangerous and shortsighted rule. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 104 and send a clear message that energy security, economic stability, and the voices of rural America will not be ignored.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young Montanan, Tarquin Bennion, who will make his Carnegie Hall debut on July 20. Tarquin hails from Sidney, Montana, and is one of the 28 violinists from around the country headed to the Big Apple to perform with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States. Not only will he debut in New York, he will also represent our Nation and our State as he tours internationally in Japan, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea. Tarquin's journey began at the age of 5 when his mother, who taught herself to play the violin at age 34, inspired him to pursue music. Since then, his passion has taken him to venues like the Montana Senate Chamber where he performed a piece from Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 4 during his time as a page. Mr. Speaker, Tarquin's remarkable talent and dedication are an inspiration to his peers and to his State. I congratulate him on this incredible accomplishment and wish him the best of luck in his bright future. I know this is just the beginning.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my dear friend, Jim Duncan, on his well-earned retirement as president of the Billings Clinic Foundation. For three decades, Jim served the great folks of the Treasure State, advocating tirelessly for rural healthcare access and the expansion of community wellness programs. Jim grew the foundation's endowments from $3 million to an astounding $150 million, funds that will benefit the community for generations to come. Jim also played a key role in introducing innovation and excellence in Montana health services, helping to bring new cancer, cardiac, pediatric, psychiatric, and trauma care to eastern Montana. Jim's advocacy will be missed, but I know the foundation will be left in good hands with Nichole Mehling at the helm. Jim led with integrity, vision, and compassion. I wish him and his wife, Heidi, a well-deserved, adventure-filled retirement.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and to remember Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund. Last week, Yellowstone County lost a pillar of the community. Since 2003, he faithfully served the people of Yellowstone County, embodying the grit, spirit, and generosity that defines Montana. John worked tirelessly to improve his community, advocating for improved rural ambulance coverage, supporting local businesses, playing a key role in MetraPark renovations, and always championing fiscal responsibility. There are countless stories of John's selflessness. If he was ever late for a meeting, chances are he was helping someone change a flat or helping the sheriff with a case. That is just the type of guy John was. John's dedication extended well beyond public service. He was a loving husband and father, and his commitment to his family and his community was unwavering. Montana is going to miss Commissioner Ostlund dearly. The hearts of the Treasure State are with the entire Ostlund family during this difficult time.

Mr. DOWNING

Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the backbone of Montana's Second District. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses employ roughly 67 percent of all Montanans. That is well above the national average. These businesses historically have difficulty accessing the funding they need to grow and create jobs. Their location presents an added challenge. According to the Center on Rural Innovation, 12 percent of U.S. businesses are located within rural areas, yet they receive less than 1 percent of venture capital funding. Many of the communities that I represent have populations of under 500 people. It places them among this underserved group. These overlooked people and places have inspired my legislation, H.R. 1190, the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act. As any small business owner can attest, the number one barrier to growth is access to capital. Through my own experiences, I know how difficult it can be for businesses to secure the funding that they need to grow. I have built businesses in technology, manufacturing, distilling, and real estate, and a primary driver in the success of all of these businesses was access to capital. The SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation was created for just this reason: to identify capital access problems that small businesses face. However, rural small businesses are currently excluded from the required categories of businesses that the office monitors for these problems. My legislation simply requires this office to identify and report to Congress the challenges faced by rural small businesses when trying to access our capital markets. H.R. 1190 will make it easier for Members of Congress to do our jobs to make sure rural businesses, like in Montana, are not left behind. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bynum for partnering with me on this legislation. I was happy to see it pass out of the Committee on Financial Services with unanimous support. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.